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Rabid raccoon found in Talleyville, residents warned

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents in the Sharpley area (near Mt. Lebanon and Sharpley Roads) who may have come into contact with a raccoon found to be rabid on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

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Public health officials say a raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Talleyville.

The Delaware Division of Public Health said the animal died following a fight with a domesticated cat and its owner in the area near Mt. Lebanon and Sharpley roads on Thursday. The cat is under quarantine.

Last week a rabid raccoon was captured after fighting with dogs in a Wilmington-area neighborhood, and a cat that tested positive for rabies was found in the Bridgeville area in early April, according to authorities.

“This is the third rabies case we have seen in animals during the month of April,” said DPH Epidemiologist Amanda Bundek. “The others were a raccoon in another part of Wilmington and a cat in Bridgeville. Rabies is a problem statewide, even in urban areas. Taking precautions is important, especially now that people and their pets are spending more time outside.”

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with a raccoon should contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone who thinks their pet may have been bitten by this raccoon should call their private veterinarian or the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.

The Division warns residents to take caution by:

-Avoiding wild and feral animals, regardless of whether or not the animal seems “friendly.”

-Ensuring their pets are up-to-date with rabies shots.

-Keeping pets inside or supervised while outside on a leash.

-Keep pets' water inside as it can attract wild and stray animals.

-Keep garbage securely covered.

Since January, 27 Delaware animals have been tested for rabies, and five were confirmed to be rabid: Three raccoons, one cat, and one dog. The Office of Animal Welfare has gone door-to-door near where the raccoon was found to talk to residents.

Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured. If the animal is of unknown origin or can't be tested, the Division of Public Health recommends people receive postexposure prophylaxis treatment as a precaution.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.